Boro's race against time in loan bid to rescue old boy Downing from Kop hell

Middlesbrough are ready to welcome back Liverpool flop Stewart Downing and rescue the England winger from his Anfield nightmare - but have just 72 hours to seal a shock loan deal.

It has been made clear to Downing that he does not figure in Brendan Rodgers' plans with the Liverpool manager keen to sell him.

The news has alerted Boro boss Tony Mowbray who is understood to be keen on bringing the 28-year-old back to the Riverside Stadium to boost the high-flying Championship side's promotion bid.

Exit ahead: Liverpool are keen to raise funds in January and sell Stewart Downing

But Boro, who sold Downing to Aston Villa for £12million in 2009, are running out of time to agree a deal with the Football League's loan transfer window closing on Thursday.

A short-term move for Downing could suit Liverpool. It would put the £10m-rated player in the shop window until the New Year, when boss Rodgers is keen to raise money for his own rebuilding plans by permanently offloading Downing.

Everton and Sunderland are also interested but would have to wait until January 1, making Middlesbrough the frontrunners to re-sign the midfielder.

Back to Boro: Downing has been linked with a loan return to the Riverside